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Vigesh Phogat Vs 100gms: The Weight of a Disqualification

Namaste and welcome to In the Spotlight column, On 10th August 2024,  we are diving into a gripping story that has taken the sports world by storm. This is ‘Vinesh Phogat vs 100gms’—a tale of triumph and heartbreak from the Paris Olympics 2024. Buckle up as we break down the dramatic events surrounding Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from her gold medal bout.

The Disqualification Drama

In a stunning twist at the Paris Olympics, Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from her highly anticipated gold medal match due to a weight discrepancy of just 100 grams. Yes, you heard that right—just 100 grams. This seemingly minor issue has ignited a major debate about Olympic rules and athlete support.

Understanding 100 Grams

To put 100 grams into perspective: it’s roughly equivalent to the weight of a small apple or a medium-sized banana. In terms of body weight management, it’s a minimal amount, yet crucial in competitive sports. For instance, shaving off a small amount of hair or donating a small amount of blood—up to 500 grams—could help shed weight. Even so, losing exactly 100 grams from the body is a challenge, particularly under intense conditions and after extensive rehydration.

 

Timeline of Vinesh Phogat’s Weight Loss Journey at Paris Olympics

Ahead of her victory in round one on Tuesday, where she beat the defending Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki and then took down Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semi-final, Phogat weighed 49.90 kg, according to The Hindu-owned Sportstar.

Every morning at 7:30 am, wrestlers log their weight on a digital scale at the Olympic Athletes Village in Paris. This scale, overseen by a referee, a doctor, and two officials, is accurate to 100 grams and determines eligibility to participate.

On August 6, 2024, Phogat, already dehydrated from the intense weight-cutting process, weighed in at 49.90 kg before her bouts. Following her matches and subsequent rehydration, her weight increased significantly. After consuming additional fluids and snacks, her weight had jumped to 52.7 kg by the end of the day.

On August 7, 2024, despite Phogat’s efforts, including staying up all night and engaging in strenuous activities like running on a treadmill and sitting in a sauna, she managed to shed weight but only to 50.1 kg. This led to her disqualification by the United World Wrestling staff, stripping her of the confirmed silver medal.

Statements from Vinesh Phogat

  • Before the Olympics: “I promised my mother that I would bring home the gold medal. I have put in immense effort and preparation to achieve this goal.” — Vinesh Phogat, speaking to her mother before the Olympics.
  • After winning the silver medal: “Winning this silver medal is an achievement, but my aim was to secure the gold. I will continue to work towards that goal and strive to bring the gold home in the future.” — Vinesh Phogat, after winning the silver medal.
  • After her disqualification: “Wrestling won and I lost. My dreams are shattered. I don’t have any more strength,” Phogat wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all. I am sorry.” — Vinesh Phogat, after her disqualification.

The Challenge of Overnight Weight Loss

Extreme weight loss methods can lead to serious health issues, including organ damage from dehydration. Phogat’s situation was exacerbated by her body’s resistance to shedding rehydrated water after intense dehydration. This made it incredibly difficult to lose weight rapidly.

The Responsibility of Vinesh Phogat, Her Team, and the IOC

Vinesh Phogat’s impressive career is marked by significant achievements on the international stage. She is a three-time World Wrestling Champion (2013, 2017, 2018), a Commonwealth Games gold medalist (2018), and an Asian Games gold medalist (2018). These accolades underscore her elite status in the sport and her extensive experience in high-pressure competitions.

Phogat, with her extensive track record, carries a significant responsibility for managing her weight. However, this responsibility is shared with her support team and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The support team is crucial in providing the necessary guidance and strategies for weight management and ensuring Phogat adheres to these protocols. The IOC, on its part, has a duty of care to ensure that athletes receive appropriate support and clear guidance on managing their weight, particularly under the intense conditions of the Olympic Games.

In the high-stakes environment of the Olympics, it is essential for the IOC to offer thorough management of food and fluid intake and provide a framework that accounts for the challenges athletes face. The incident involving Phogat highlights the need for more nuanced and empathetic oversight to prevent such issues from impacting athletes’ performances and outcomes.

Additional Perspectives

In tennis Grand Slams, if a finalist declares injury, they are awarded the runner-up position, highlighting a different approach to handling such situations compared to wrestling’s strict weight regulations.

Statements from Others

  • Jordan Burroughs (Olympic Gold Medalist): “My goodness. I don’t think any of us can quite comprehend the future ramifications for Vinesh missing weight this morning. When she awoke today, she was India’s first ever female Olympic finalist, guaranteed at least a silver. Now she will be returning home medal-less. God bless her and all she’ll have to endure moving forward. She has looked amazing this week, and deserved to be on that podium today. This is tragic.”
  • Bajrang Punia (Tokyo Olympic Bronze Medalist): “Vinesh, you did not lose but yet you have been defeated. For us, you will always be a winner and along with being India’s daughter you are India’s pride as well,” he said in a post in Hindi.

What next

The weight discrepancy that led to Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics underscores broader issues in athlete management and Olympic regulations. While Phogat holds some responsibility for her weight management, the roles of her support team and the IOC are also crucial in ensuring that athletes are adequately supported and can perform to their fullest potential without facing severe penalties. As Phogat appeals the decision, with a resolution expected by the end of Friday, 10 August 2024, this situation highlights the need for ongoing improvements in the systems that govern athlete care and competition standards.

 

For further reading and reference, explore these sources:

Disclaimer:

The information presented in this article regarding Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics and her subsequent appeal is based on current reports and available data. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, it is important to note that developments may occur, and the final outcome of Phogat’s appeal, scheduled to be confirmed by the end of Friday, 10 August 2024, is subject to change. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources and follow updates for the most current and verified information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the positions of the publication or its affiliates.

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